MUMBAI: From courtroom dramas to horror-comedy to intense thrillers, Rajkummar Rao has shown us time and again why he’s one of the most versatile actors in the industry.
There are actors who perform, and then there’s Rajkummar Rao: someone who completely loses himself in every role he takes on.
Over the years, he’s carved out a space for himself as someone who doesn’t chase stardom but lets the characters speak louder than anything else. Whether it’s an underdog fighting for justice, a guy caught up in supernatural madness, or a terrorist that leaves you unsettled, Raj has done it all. Across genres, accents, and personalities, here are six performances where he truly became the role.
1. Shahid
In Shahid, Rao played real-life human rights lawyer Shahid Azmi with honesty, courage, and depth. The performance was raw and powerful, and it earned him a National Award. But more than the award, it was a turning point, it showed us what he was capable of when given a story that matters.
2. Omertà
Playing terrorist Omar Sheikh in Omertà wasn’t an easy choice. The character was dark, unsettling, and full of hate, and Rajkummar went all in. He’s spoken about how disturbing it was to carry that kind of energy every day, but he still gave it everything. It wasn’t meant to make the audience comfortable, and that’s what made it so powerful.
3. Aligarh
As a young journalist in Aligarh, Rajkummar held his own alongside a towering performance by Manoj Bajpayee. His role wasn’t loud, but it brought warmth and steadiness to a very emotional story. He played a listener, an observer, someone who truly sees others, and that kind of quiet strength can be rare to watch on screen.
4. Stree (2018) & Stree 2 (2024)
Stree proved that Rajkummar can be hilarious without losing emotional depth. As Vicky, the sweet tailor caught in a town full of ghosts, he gave us laughs, charm, and just the right amount of fear. And in Stree 2, he takes it further, keeping the innocence but adding more edge and growth to the role. It’s rare to see horror-comedy done well, and rarer still with such heart.
5. Srikanth
Playing real-life entrepreneur Srikanth Bolla, Rajkummar didn’t focus on the disability. He focused on the man his determination, his joy, his journey. The performance was moving, uplifting, and full of life. It reminded people that inspiration doesn’t have to be dramatic it can be real, grounded, and relatable.
6. Maalik
Maalik shows a side of Rajkummar we haven’t really seen before intense, commanding, and completely in control. As a gangster from the 80s heartland, he brings in physicality, aggression, and presence. This isn’t just another dark role; it’s Raj stepping into the world of massy, commercial cinema without losing the honesty he’s known for.
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